23ES
23ES is ‘a very well established and highly respected set’ with a ’breadth of talent‘. Prior to her December 2023 appointment to the Circuit Bench in November 2023, Allison Hunter prosecuted a thirteen-defendant drug conspiracy involving 1000kg of cocaine in a case featuring Encrochat evidence. Elisabeth Acker prosecuted alone in a case in which the defendant was convicted for importing and selling endangered species, specifically jewellery containing elephant parts, contrary to CITES – the matter involved arguments on the adequacy of expert opinion, the appropriate method of scientific testing, the admissibility of evidence obtained from abroad, and on the statutory interpretation. James Bloomer was instructed for the defence in the case of a young man of previous good character accused of a bomb hoax and possession of an imitation firearm following a bungled attempt at a bank robbery – the case turns on the psychiatric evidence, assessing whether he was in the grip of a psychotic episode at the relevant time as well as the admissibility of a quasi-confession given during interview.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The clerks’ room is a happy and industrious place. The clerks work brillantly as a team, led by the example of Wayne King and Adam Chapman. Jo Wheeler is supremely calm, confident and good humoured. Michael Barrett grows in confidence every day, is courteous and efficient. Jon Page runs an efficient and hardworking team.'
- 'Adam Chapman is simply brilliant. He really goes the extra mile when needed.'
- 'Adam Chapman remains outstanding and a pleasure to work with. The rest of the clerking team have a fine role model in Adam.'
- '23 Essex Street have a breath of talent.'
- '23 Essex Street is a very well established and highly respected set. They have real strength in depth.'
- '23ES is a really good set and perhaps doesn't get the recognition they deserve when compared with some of the other leading sets. Their middle-junior end are particularly good and offer good consistency of quality.'
- '23ES clearly has a wealth of experienced barristers in crime, especially silks. It is refreshing to see so many female silks in one set.'
Silks
Leading Silks
KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.
3Hall of fame23ES
‘Francis has a very attractive, understated form of advocacy. He is firm and robustly fearless when the occasion arises and his written submissions are clear and well-ordered. He is a strong lawyer, across a wide range of topics.'
3Hall of fame23ES
‘Kate is a well-prepared and thoughtful advocate, able to deal with a difficult situation with sensitivity. She is able to engage a jury with a light touch.’
3Hall of fame23ES
‘Eloise is steadfast and determined in her approach and handles tricky cases, and unusual and difficult tactical and ethical issues, with confidence and seeming ease.'
3Hall of fame23ES
'Charles is skillful in his cross-examination of witnesses and in his analysis of evidence. His advocacy is also powerful.'
3
3Hall of fame23ES
‘Lisa is strong prosecutor and deals with her cases with confidence and ability. Her advocacy is a particular strength, which she combines with good judgement.’
Juniors
Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
23ES
‘Elisabeth has an excellent analytical ability to understand and highlight the key issues in a case. Her empathetic and kind nature ensures that she is a perfect advocate for cases involving youths or extremely vulnerable witnesses and complainants. Her advocacy is also exceptional.'
23ES
‘James is thoroughly prepared and an extremely fastidious barrister. His written arguments are comprehensive and compelling even in the most complex and detailed of cases. His advocacy is clear, well planned, fastidiously researched and persuasive. James is a first choice counsel for matters of complexity and seriousness.’
23ES
‘Tom is an exceptionally gifted lawyer with a very pleasing style of advocacy in cross-examination. He is a leading junior with a great reputation and skill set who is a silk in waiting.'
23ES
‘Patrick is utterly charming. He is one of the most popular members of the young Bar. He is hard working, intuitive and fearless. He will leave no stone unturned in his representation and presentation. He is one to watch for sure.’
23ES
‘Jeremy is very good on the law, is excellent with clients and always reports back promptly.’
23ES
‘David's ability is far more advanced than his call. His engagement with clients is always tailored towards the individuals needs and his communication skills are exemplary. His advocacy skills are also exceptional.'
23ES
'William is an intelligent and versatile advocate. He has a good sense of humour which he uses sensitively during jury trials. He is a thorough and tenacious cross-examiner and an excellent all-round criminal barrister, whether prosecuting or defending.'
23ES
'Rhodri is a brilliant barrister with a fantastic practice. His approach is practical, sensible and down to earth. He is a great lawyer and an outstanding advocate.'
423ES
'Charles is very personable whilst being tactically astute. He is able to charm juries and has a clear and direct style with tribunals, which cuts through peripheral issues and gets to the heart of matters.'
Leading Juniors
Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.
23ES
‘Elisabeth has an excellent analytical ability to understand and highlight the key issues in a case. Her empathetic and kind nature ensures that she is a perfect advocate for cases involving youths or extremely vulnerable witnesses and complainants. Her advocacy is also exceptional.'
23ES
‘James is thoroughly prepared and an extremely fastidious barrister. His written arguments are comprehensive and compelling even in the most complex and detailed of cases. His advocacy is clear, well planned, fastidiously researched and persuasive. James is a first choice counsel for matters of complexity and seriousness.’
23ES
‘Tom is an exceptionally gifted lawyer with a very pleasing style of advocacy in cross-examination. He is a leading junior with a great reputation and skill set who is a silk in waiting.'
23ES
‘Patrick is utterly charming. He is one of the most popular members of the young Bar. He is hard working, intuitive and fearless. He will leave no stone unturned in his representation and presentation. He is one to watch for sure.’
23ES
‘Jeremy is very good on the law, is excellent with clients and always reports back promptly.’
23ES
‘David's ability is far more advanced than his call. His engagement with clients is always tailored towards the individuals needs and his communication skills are exemplary. His advocacy skills are also exceptional.'
23ES
'William is an intelligent and versatile advocate. He has a good sense of humour which he uses sensitively during jury trials. He is a thorough and tenacious cross-examiner and an excellent all-round criminal barrister, whether prosecuting or defending.'
23ES
'Rhodri is a brilliant barrister with a fantastic practice. His approach is practical, sensible and down to earth. He is a great lawyer and an outstanding advocate.'
423ES
'Charles is very personable whilst being tactically astute. He is able to charm juries and has a clear and direct style with tribunals, which cuts through peripheral issues and gets to the heart of matters.'